Welcome to CORINF!
CORINF is a Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) funded by the European
Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). ITNs are designed to offer
opportunities for researchers in the early stages of their careers to develop their
skills and expertise as part of an international research network. Early Stage
Researchers (ESRs) will receive multidisciplinary training within the project
framework, which will culminate in them being awarded PhDs from partner
institutions.
The acronym CORINF stands for Correlated Multielectron Dynamics in Intense
Light Fields. The CORINF network will provide training and research in the
theoretical foundations of attosecond science and in the physics of intense lightmatter interaction, focusing on imaging molecular structures and electronic
dynamics sub-femtosecond temporal and Angstrom-scale spatial resolution.
Joining the CORINF ITN means that you will not only be undertaking work as
part of one research group, but that you will in addition be part of a broader
network with wider training and research opportunities. The network consists
of eleven partners and four associated partners, each of whom will bring their
own specific skillsets to the project.
The Research Fields
Imaging structures and dynamics of different systems, from isolated molecules
to clusters to condensed phase, is a major direction of modern science, with
attosecond (1 asec=10-18 sec) temporal resolution being the new frontier. The
Marie Curie Initial Training Network CORINF will provide training and research
in the theoretical foundations of attosecond science and in the physics of intense
light-matter interaction, focusing on imaging molecular structures and electronic
dynamics sub-femtosecond temporal and Angstrom-scale spatial resolution.
Determination of molecular structure and dynamics is key to understanding
molecular function in chemical and biochemical processes. High peak intensity
and short pulse duration are the key characteristics required for both X-ray/XUV
and IR imaging. They are also the hallmark of the new generation of European
light sources both in X-ray/XUV and IR range (FLASH, XFEL, ELI). High intensity
provides a route to combing sub-Å spatial and attosecond temporal resolution.
However, intense fields inevitably excite complex dynamics. The success of
imaging techniques depends on our understanding of these largely unknown
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dynamics, creating demand for the theory of complex systems in intense fields.
Such theory, from atoms and small molecules to single and multi-component
clusters, is the research focus of CORINF.
The training and research program will encompass the theory of attosecond
dynamics induced by the interaction of intense IR and XUV/Xray light with
atoms, small polyatomic molecules, macromolecules and clusters, including (i)
the inherently many-electron aspects of intense field ionization in molecules and
clusters; (ii) electron-molecule scattering in strong IR fields; (iii) the role of
highly excited and autoionizing states in molecules during and/or after
application of intense XUV/IR pulses; (iv) mechanisms of correlated energy
absorption in single and multi-component clusters, (v) electronic decay &
relaxation processes in clusters at different ionization stages. One of the natural
components of the network activity is the development of strong links between
theory and experiment, including active interaction with the experiment-driven
ATTOFEL Marie-Curie ITN.
CORINF’s technical objectives are as follows:
 Develop new theoretical methods in systems ranging from atoms to
clusters to macro-molecules to model complex multi-electron dynamics.
 Lay the theoretical foundation for imaging structures and multielectron
dynamics in polyatomic molecules and clusters at the corresponding
spatial and temporal scales.
 The development of a flexible Numerical Platform for modelling intensefield multi-electron dynamics.
 Foster synergies of different areas in atomic and molecular physics,
quantum chemistry, molecular spectroscopy and dynamics and software
development.
 Provide a multidisciplinary environment for training young researchers.
 Deliver the forefront technology in the form of a set of advanced
numerical tools and software embedded into a common user-friendly
platform.
The Aim Of The ITN
ITNs generally consist of 5-10 research institutions that are collaborating on a
specific research topic: with a total of 15 organisations involved, including 11 full
partners, CORINF is a large network. Each of the institutions involved is
responsible for the supervision of one or more of the ESRs and also has
responsibility for an element of the overall research programme. The overall
aim of the ITN is to provide training for researchers in the early stages of their
careers, enhancing their research skills and preparing them for their ongoing
careers. ITNs draw on the opportunities afforded them by the range of
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institutions involved, and interaction between the project’s partners is an
important part of the training of ESRs. For example, secondments are employed,
during which researchers spend time away from their home institution so that
they can strengthen their ties with other partners and benefit from the expertise
of colleagues at other organisations.
Types of Network Partner
CORINF’s 15 partners are divided into two types, full partners and associated
partners, and there is in addition a supervisory board made up of scientists from
both within and outside the network. The 11 full partners are institutions that
have a contract with the EC meaning that they are responsible and accountable
for the research and training that takes place within CORINF. 10 of the full
partners are academic institutions, while one is an industrial partner; this gives
all researchers the opportunity to interact with both industry and academia and
to gain experience of the work environment in both settings. For more detailed
information about each of the full partners, please see the relevant section of the
CORINF website: www.corinf.eu/partners
The 4 associated partners do not have a contract with the EC, but have an
agreement with the network to actively participate in both research and the
training of researchers. The associated partners have been selected on the basis
of special expertise that they can provide, which would otherwise be unavailable
within the network.
There is in addition a mentor council/supervisory board. This consists of a
number of individuals who are well-placed to give advice to the network or
individual ESRs on account of their specific expertise or extensive experience.
The mentor council has been assembled as part of the network’s supervisory
board, and consists of eminent senior scientists, policy makers and industrial
scientists – people you may not normally come into contact with. Each of them
will commit a portion of their time to act as mentors for ESRs who show great
potential and who may benefit from such contact in order to develop this
potential as far as possible. Gifted researchers will be able to establish a
mentorship with one of the members of the mentor council, perhaps leading to
regular one-on-one meetings where the progress of the training programme and
perspectives on future career development are discussed. Members of the
mentor council may be drawn on for their personal experience, scientific
knowledge or networks.
The Website – www.corinf.eu
In this toolkit, which serves as a kind of roadmap and provides an overview of
the project, you will find some information about the institutions and people
involved in the CORINF network. However, training and research is a dynamic
and progressive process, and there will be many developments as the project
advances. The CORINF website will provide up to date information about all the
latest development and any planned activities and events. To find out more
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about any aspect of research, institution, person or training element, please visit
www.corinf.eu.
The CORINF Research Programme
CORINF’s research programme is divided into three Work Packages, whose
individual avenues of research are both interconnected and interdependent.
Two of these are core Work Packages, while the third is the research and
development component of the project:
WP1 – Small Polyatomic Molecules in Intense Light Fields, IR and XUV/Xray
The work package WP-1 will address two complementary approaches to
ultrafast imaging of multielectron dynamics in small molecules at sub-Å and subfsec timescales: (i) imaging in intense IR fields using coherently driven electron
pulses and (ii) imaging in XUV/X-ray fields using photons and photo-electrons.
We will aim at imaging electron-hole dynamics and coupled electron-nuclear
dynamics in molecules.
WP2 –Macromolecules and Clusters in Intense Light Fields, IR and XUV/Xray
The work package WP-2 will focus on multielectron dynamics, radiation damage
and energy absorption in clusters and macromolecules in IR and XUV fields. The
developed theoretical approaches will be valuable in developing of single
molecule imaging.
R&D – Numerical Platform (NPCORINF)
The research and development component will lay the foundation of an
extensible, universal computational platform for interaction of intense light
fields with molecules and clusters. We regard NPCORINF as a long-term project
with lasting impact far beyond the network. Its development will create interrelated modules such that results from one of them can be used as input for
another. As such, NPCORINF will set a standard for the numerical tool
development in attosecond and strong-field physics.
Further details about CORINF’s work packages are shown in the table on the
following page.
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WP1: Molecules in Intense Light Fields (Task Leaders: A. Saenz, O. Smirnova)
Work package
WP-1.1
Dynamics of
atoms and
molecules in
strong IR fields
WP-1.2 :
Single & multiple
ionization and
imaging in
intense XUV/Xray fields
WP-1.3
Attosecond
spectroscopy of
electron-hole
dynamics & of
coupled
electronnuclear
dynamics
Thesis/project title
Coupled
electronuclear
motion in intense
laser fields
MCTDHF approach
for atoms and
molecules in strong
IR fields
DFT& ab-initio
dynamics in
complex molecules
Time-dependent
Rmatrix theory for
strong-field
dynamics
Pump-probe
imaging of attosec.
Dynamics in
molecules
Multi-electron
ultrafast dynamics
in XUV fields.
Attosecond
spectroscopy of
electron-hole
dynamics
HHG spectroscopy
of coupled
electronuclear
dynamics
Applications of
multichannel HHG
Main
Node
HUM
LMU
UniTS
QUB
Partner
Teams
PAR,
UniTS,
MBI
HUM,
QUB,
OTW
HUM,
QUM
DARS,
UCL
UAM
UniTS,
HUM
QUB
DARS,
UCL
MBI
Imperial,
HUM
PAR
UHA,
UAM
Imperial
MBI,
OTW
Deliverables and Milestones
Implement TD hybrid Gaussian + B-spline ansatz for CIS MC method (MR). Alignment–dependent ionization
rates (MR). Electron spectra and HHG for coupled
electron and nuclear dynamics (EC).
Derivation and implementation of MCTDHF with frozen
core, benchmark vs He, H2 (MR). Integration of
MCTDHF methods with quantum chemistry inputs and
benchmarking NO, CO2, O2 (EC).
Combine basis-set methods with DFT core (MR), model
N2,O2, CO2, C2H2, CO, CH4 calibrate vs Rmatrix (EC).
Combine finite-difference outer region and basisset
inner region (MR). Benchmark single ionization (MR).
Extend to double ionization and benchmark vs full abinitio treatment of twoelectron systems (EC).
Attosecond dynamics of double excitations and autoionizing states in dissociative ionization of H2: model
electron and fragment spectra (MR). Extend to core
excitations in CH4, NO, O2,N2 , CO, C2H2 (EC).
Time-dependent R-matrix for single electron emission
(MR) and two electron emission (EC) for atoms.
Code multi-channel HHG in small polyatomic molecules
(MT). Derive and model strong-field effects in
scattering and photoelectron spectra (EC)
General molecular code using ad-hoc interaction
potentials in restricted dimensions (MR). Twoelectron
quantum propagation coupled to nuclear motion in
pump-probe setup (EC).
Theory of strong-field ionization in multi-color fields
(MR). Application to frequency conversion and light
generation from THz to XUV (EC)
WP2: Clusters and Macromolecules in Intense Light Fields (Task Leader: J.M. Rost)
Work package
WP2.1
Multielectron
dynamics in
macromolecules
and clusters
WP2.2 Imaging
and electronic
decay in strong
X-ray fields
WP2.3
Correlated
energy
absorption in
composite
clusters
Thesis/project title
Main
Node
TOUL
Partner
Teams
MPG,
HUM,
UniTS
Inner-shell
processes induced
by strong FEL fields
Imperial
UniTS
MPG
MBI,
TOUL
Organic molecules
and clusters in IR
and XFEL fields
X-ray imaging of
Coulomb exploding
large clusters
Deliverables and Milestones
Time-dependent DFT code for arbitrary IR to Xray
fields (MR). Angle-and-energy resolved electron
spectra for water and water clusters in Xrays (EC).
HHG from clusters in IR fields with application to
imaging (EC).
Implement B-spline continuum to describe
autoionization in strong fields (MR), include
doublehole dynamics (EC), analyze cascade decay
chains in strong fields (EC).
Compare quasi-classical MD and TD DFT models for
clusters in XUV and X-ray fields (MR).
Develop theory of photo ionization into plasmas,
include into MD codes (EC). Formulate microscopic
imaging of clusters during MD propagation and
compare with experiments at
LCLS (EC)
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R&D: NPCORINF
Work package
R&D1 Multi-channel
strongfield S-matrix, hybrid
with Rmatrix & quantum
chemistry
R&D2 Time-Depend.
Multiple configuration
methods
R&D3 Ab-initio methods
R&D4 DFT-type approaches
R&D5 Semiclassical MD
R&D6 Fano-ADC electronic
decay rates
Partner Teams
QUM, MBI, Imperial,
HUM, UniTS
QUM, LMU, UniTS,
HUM, Imperial, OTW
DARS, HUM, UniTS,
QUB, UAM, MBI
TOUL, HUM, UniTS,
DARS
QUM, MPG, MBI
QUM, Imperial, UniTS
The CORINF Training Programme
Deliverables and Milestones
Angular dependent ionization rates in molecules (MR) SF-EVA
based code for electron-molecule recombination (MR); R-matrix
code for electron molecule recombination (EC)
Multichannel HHG code for molecular imaging (EC)
MCTDHF and/or restricted CI code for many electron dynamics
in strong fields (EC)
Code for ionization rates and Stark shifts for molecules in IR
fields (EC)
DFT-SAE code for multi-center core potential (EC)
Semiclassical MD code for imaging cluster dynamics in IR and
XFEL fields (EC)
Ab initio calculation of electronic decay widths of singly and
doubly ionized states (EC)
The primary objective of CORINF, as with other ITNs, is to provide training for
young researchers. Indeed, the main reason for the existence of ITNs is the value
that the EC places on training a new generation of researchers who are
comfortable moving across national boundaries and who embody the vision of a
united Europe. Accordingly, CORINF offers a training programme that not only
offers researchers the opportunity to develop a broad range of scientific
expertise, but also provides thorough training in transferable skills, such as
management, languages and career planning. To ensure that the development of
these skills is adequately implemented, and in order to monitor the progress of
training, each ESR is given a plan that we call the Training Profile. In the
Training Profile, the main topic of research to be undertaken by the ESR will be
defined, along with secondments to other institutions, training goals, and
training activities (both at the home institution and beyond). An example of the
Training Profile is shown below.
ESR Training Module: Imperial
Intended Recruitment: 36 months
Thesis/Project title: Applications of multichannel HHG
Supervisor: Res. Exp. >10 years
Workpackages: WP1.1; WP1.3; R&D
Planned secondments
Starting
Duration
Content of training
month
(months)
To MBI
13
2
Interfacing ionization rates into HHG code
To DARS
5
2
Computational science and engineering
To QUM
25
0.5
Transferable skills; implementation of NP
VR (>10 years)
12.5
0.5
Training in quantum chemistry
Research objectives: Develop theory of strong-field ionization in multicolour fields. Apply to frequency conversion and
light generation from THz to XUV
On-site training and transferable skills:
On-site research training tools:
Communicating research to peers and general public; Quantum chemistry (VR); weekly institute colloquia; DTC
writing papers and proposals; giving talks
courses and activities
Off-site training on transferable skills:
Off-site research training tools:
Interfacing academia and private sector; IP (QUM); parallel Theory of HHG spectroscopy
computations; HPC technologies and support; database
services (DARS)
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The training programme is further elaborated into a more extensive Career
Development Plan (CDP), which is drafted by the young researcher together with
his or her host on joining the network. The CDP will include targets and
timetables for the scientific activities of the ESR (including the thesis topic),
plans for partner/industrial visits, targets for training in specific research skills
such as computational skills, optics, electronics etc; and in research-related skills
such as writing articles and proposals and making scientific presentations, as
well as transferable skills. More details, including a sample CDP, can be found on
the project website.
The CDP is sent to the network coordinator to approval, and also to the Career
Development Monitor (CDM), who will monitor the implementation of the CDP.
As part of the CDP, a summary Training Profile will be set up and placed on the
project website. This Training Profile – in particular its benchmarks – is used as
a tool to monitor the progress of training and will become a regular part of the
reports that the network will submit to the European Commission. In the
Training Profile, the main research topic to be investigated by the ESR, planned
secondments, and training goals and activities will be defined. The CDP is a
flexible tool to be assessed regularly and, if needed, adapted every 12 months by
the researcher, his or her host, and the CDM.
Training through research
Training through research is the cornerstone of the network. It will involve
regular interactions between ESRs, senior scientists, and other members of the
host group. This will include individual discussions and seminars, critical
feedback on work-in-progress reports, teaching oral and written presentation of
results, and other components of the PhD programme.
Host-based structured training courses
Scientists-in-charge make significant contributions to training and teaching
programs within their departments. Each of CORINF’s partners have lecture
series designed to educate ESRs in a range of topics related to the proposed
network research program. For example, Imperial offers courses on intense
laser-matter interaction, and nonlinear and quantum optics. The Doctoral
Training Centre (DTC) at Imperial offers additional cross-disciplinary training in
quantum information, intense-field physics and quantum control. QUM and UCL
will offer training in scattering theory, electronic structure, methods of quantum
chemistry, high performance computing. In addition to an extensive AMO
curriculum, QUB has unique expertise in massive parallel computer
architectures, valuable inside and outside academia. UAM offers a European
Master’s in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling, in which the SC
at UAM participates. The SC at UAM is also the coordinator of the EU COST
program "Chemistry with ultrashort pulses and free electron lasers", which links
five of the partners and offers additional opportunities for multi-disciplinary
training. MPG offers a unique multi-disciplinary environment and also runs a
high level PhD school, "The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS)
on Dynamics in Atoms, Molecules and Solids" with about 50 students from more
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than 7 institutions. HUM is a member of the Collaborative Research Center SFB
450 with training on experimental and theoretical progress in ultrafast
processes in molecular systems.
Transferable skills training
The private sector plays crucial role in the network, both in terms of the
successful realisation of scientific and technological goals (NP CORINF), and by
offering wide training on transferable skills and interfacing academic research
and industry. The apprenticeships at QUM will allow ESRs to gain experience of
teamwork in a product-oriented business environment and to obtain the specific
expertise necessary to embark on a career in high-tech companies.
Apprenticeships at the Computer Science and Engineering Department of STFC
at Daresbury (DARS) will give young researchers the opportunity to obtain
expertise in parallel computing, HPC technologies and support, and exploiting
and maintaining database services.
NP CORINF is a practical example of interfacing academic research and industry,
in which each of the appointed ESRs will participate. The numerical codes
developed by each ESR will be transferred to QUM. Cooperation with QUM is
crucial – it will allow the consortium to turn distinct individual codes into a
numerical platform with common interface.
Training at the interface of academia and in the private sector
The CORINF ESRs will take part in the development and delivery of the software
products within the Numerical Platform NPCORINF. We regard NPCORINF as a
long-term project with lasting impact outside the network, which will set a
standard for the numerical tool development in attosecond and strong-field
physics and beyond. ESRs and ERs taking part in the NPCORINF development at
the private sector node of the network will obtain expertise that will
undoubtedly aid them in their future careers, whether in academic research or in
the private sector.
Special attention will be paid to training outside the main task during planned
secondments to the private sector (QUM) and/or national lab (DARS). These
secondments will be offered to all ESRs; such training at the interface of
academia and private sector, or academia and computational science and
engineering support group, is vital for equipping ESRS with additional skills
transferable between academia and the private sector, giving them a
comprehensive (multi-level and inter-sectorial) training experience and the
opportunity to discover which professional activities are most suitable and
enjoyable for them.
Secondments
CORINF is driven by strong collaborative links between the network partners,
the complementarities of their research directions and theoretical approaches,
and the recognized need for exchange of expertise and ideas. ESRs joining
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CORINF will naturally be placed in multi-node collaborative environment,
benefiting from exchange of expertise during their secondments to other
partners. CORINF sees the exchange of young researchers as vital for successful
collaboration, including the development of a unifying numerical platform.
Every ESR will spend on average two months per year in a different laboratory
or in an industrial environment. The composition of the network ensures that
ERRs will get a broad view: the network includes a wide range of nationalities
and research environments (universities, institutes, private sector, national
labs).
Network-wide training
Network meetings & workshops will be attended by all network members,
including associate partners. They will offer ESRs and ERs an opportunity to
present their work and defend their results. Meetings will be used to share
results and technical details and know-how, and will deal with network-wide
concerns and administrative issues. One meeting will be organized by the ESRs
and ERs, allowing them to gain experience in managing the scientific program,
logistics, and the interests of diverse teams and the network. Schools act as a
major network-wide training tool, attended by all ESR/ERs. They will offer
multi-disciplinary training program not available within regular curricula. Many
tutorial lectures and master classes will be delivered by distinguished external
speakers and will address both science and transferable skills. Their presence
will also allow researchers to establish important external contacts.
Collaboration with other ITNs
CORINF will focus on theory-oriented training. Its scope complements the Marie
Curie ITN ATTOFEL, which focuses primarily on experimental training in
attoscience, with the emphasis on attosecond XUV and FELs. The CORINF
theoretical training program provides an ideal counterpart to this experimental
program. Many scientists from CORINF’s partners collaborate with scientists
from ATTOFEL, so effective communication between the networks is assured.
Strong collaboration is also planned with the FASTQUAST ITN Network on ultrafast coherent control. FASTQUAST is developing techniques for molecular state
preparation and strong field control, essential for molecular imaging
methodology. Equally, molecular imaging has broad applications to molecular
control by providing a key diagnostic of the control process. CORINF’s
collaborations will be enhanced through the composition of the Supervisory
Board, as described below.
Expert hotline
Contrary to what they may have you believe, not every group leader is an expert
on everything. Within the network, however, many different types of expertise
are united and can be made available to anyone who needs then. Whenever
anyone in the network needs help or support in solving a particular problem
quickly, they can call in the experts. A list of topics and experts that can be
contacted via mail is provided in this toolkit and on our website. Reading the
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partner descriptions in this toolkit and on the website can serve as a guide if you
are looking for training on a particular topic where you would like to visit a
partner site. Please consult your supervisor, the training coordinator or the
network coordinator if you have difficulty finding the training that you are
looking for.
Experienced researchers at partner sites will be available as topical experts to
answer questions and/or to direct ESRs to a suitable resource (book, paper or
expert).
Training Checklist
 You receive this toolkit – the network roadmap
 On your entry to the network a Career Development Plan (CDP) is drafted
by the ESR and host institution (see the CORINF website to download a
template).
The CDP covers:
 Targets and timetables for the scientific activities of the ESR
 Thesis topic
 Plans for partner/industrial visits
 Individualised training needs identified in specific research skills such as
computational skills, optics, electronics, laser and vacuum technology
 Individualised training needs identified in research-related areas such as
writing articles, writing proposals, and making scientific presentations
 Individualised training to be received on transferable skills such as
management skills
 Communication skills
 Educational skills (supervision of junior students and teaching
opportunities)
 Language skills
 General job skills such as drafting a CV and interview advice
 Career prospects and plans for after leaving the network
 Personal coach/support system on site
 ITN monitor from another partner
Individualised training is to be received within the first 12 months after entry
into the network, if possible. Post-network employment is to be discussed after
12 months with the network.








Network-wide training, to be attended by all
Network meetings
Summer school
Extra training and support mechanisms
On-site training with partner other than host
Mentor council
Ad hoc lectures and workshops
Expert hotline
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The Basics of the FP7 Rules
Not only is it useful to know the basics of the research field, but knowing the
basics of procedures, rules and regulations concerning you when working
abroad will also come in handy. All full partners are situated within the EU so
the work and live rules of the EU apply.
For starters the European Commission has written a 36 page code of conduct for
the recruitment of researchers called The European Charter for Researchers,
available at: http://ec.europa.eu/eracareers/pdf/am509774CEE_EN_E4.pdf.
Before being able to work at a specific institute, you will have to adhere to
European regulations on working as a foreign citizen. Yours will be one of the
following 4 situations:
You are an EU citizen and you will be working in another EU country:
The EU provides for a very comprehensive site explaining how to go about this in
your own language; see http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/
You are an EU citizen and you will be working in a non EU country:
The rules of the host state apply; see instructions at the Institute page on the
project website.
You are not an EU citizen and you will be working in an EU country:
For comprehensive information, even a phone number,
http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=470&langId=en
visit:
You are not an EU citizen and you will be working in a non EU
country.
The rules of the host state apply, see instructions on the CORINF website.
Your Rights as a Marie Curie Fellow
The Marie Curie programme is intended to make research an attractive career
choice through good salaries and work conditions, and opportunities for training
and career development. Most Marie Curie fellows are entitled to full
employment contracts. Below are the rights that you should receive, as specified
by the EC:
-
A competitive salary adjusted to meet the cost of living in the country
you are working in.
Social security – your employer must make social security
contributions for you.
An agreement between you and your employer showing your salary
arrangements, your conditions of work and a description of your
research project.
Career guidance – in some cases this will be a career development
plan agreed with your supervisor when you start work.
Complementary training in skills such as research management,
entrepreneurship, proposal writing, languages and IPR.
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-
Attendance at conferences, workshops etc. Your host institution has a
budget for research costs which includes participation at such events.
An allowance for the costs of living in another country, including a
travel allowance for your own private travel costs.
A Career Exploratory Allowance to help you prepare for the next step
in your career.
The option to join the Marie Curie Fellowship Association, please see
www.mcfa.eu.
Below is the advice given by the EC on how to take control of your career and to
ensure that you receive the best training and opportunities possible:
-
-
-
Make sure that you have the right type of contract: be aware that by
accepting certain conditions you may be waiving your fundamental
rights such as proper health coverage, pension contributions,
maternity leave and unemployment benefits.
Be aware of your rights including the correct salary amount and
ensure that they are clearly mentioned in your contract.
If you are unsure that you have the right salary and contract
conditions, speak with your supervisor or someone at your host
institution. If you are still not satisfied you can talk to you National
Contact Point (NCP) – for contact details see the Marie Curie website
at http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ncp_en.html.
Make sure you read your contract carefully – don’t sign blind.
Find out if permits are required for the country you will work in; you
can check with the NCP if you are unsure.
Read the contract between the EC and Institute, especially Annex III,
which sets out the rules for the scheme you are recruited under.
Make sure your career development plan meets your needs and that it
is implemented – speak to your supervisor if you are not happy about
this.
Read The European Charter for Researchers and The Code of Conduct
for the Recruitment of Researchers – available online at
http://ec.europa.eu/eracareers/pdf/am509774CEE_EN_E4.pdf.
Complete the questionnaires when requested by the EC – your
feedback ensures that the Marie Curie programme is always evolving
to meet the needs of researchers.
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